Benjamin D. Dewhurst, 73, lifelong resident of Haverhill, passed away peacefully May 6th at his home with his cherished wife of 39 years Karen (Riley) Dewhurst and beloved sister-in-law Kathy Riley by his side.
Ben was born in Haverhill, Nov. 18, 1950 and graduated Haverhill high school, class of 1969.
Ben took great pride in service to his country honorably serving in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam conflict and for nearly 20 years in the United States Army Reserve. After his retirement from Lucent Technologies he was employed as a security officer at Holy Family Hospital, Haverhill until permanently retiring in 2017.
Ben was an avid Boston sports fan. In addition to his beloved Boston Bruins he was a devoted New England Patriot and Red Sox fan. His favorite pastime was being outside listening to a Sox game on the radio, a cold Budweiser in hand and his beloved Beagle, Ruby by his side.
Ben had a deep affection and fondness for all animals, particularly dogs. Throughout the years he and his wife Karen rescued and adopted 8 dogs and several cats.
Ben enjoyed a comfortable retirement. He and Karen often taking day trips and enjoying weekly Saturday night dinner dates. They also enjoyed and looked forward to their yearly autumn getaways to Vermont and their “Cabin in the sky” in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
In Summer they often spent weekends at their family’s lake house on Big Island Pond in Hampstead, N.H.
In addition to his loving wife Karen, whom he affectionately referred to as “Mrs. D,” he leaves behind his sister-in-law Kathy Riley, brothers-in-law Donald Riley of Haverhill and Glenn Riley and his wife Karen of Derry, N.H., dear family friend Heather Emery of Haverhill, beloved Beagle Ruby and his orange feline boy, Honey who kept vigil at Ben’s side throughout his illness.
Ben was predeceased by his mother Eileen Halloran, father Benjamin F. Dewhurst and sister Mary Jo Heffernan. He also leaves behind his siblings Patricia Noonan and her husband Mark, Teresa McCormick and her husband Grady, Judy Lalumiere and her husband Normand, Danny Dewhurst and his life partner Susan Kneeland and his sons Kevin and Jeffery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ben’s memory may be made to Salem Animal Rescue League, 4 SARL Drive, Salem, NH 03079 or the animal rescue organization of one’s choosing.
Visitation will be held Saturday, May 18, at the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main St., Haverhill from 4-6 p.m. Service with U.S. Air Force Honors will begin at 5 p.m.